Sunday, November 23, 2008 Otop meet threshes out problems on product dev't
BACOLOR -- To effectively implement the One Town, One Product Program (Otop), various sectors in business and local governance in Central Luzon have discussed issues and concerns that impede local business and investment in the region.
Weak lending programs, poor business enabling environment, marketing, and financing efficiency were among the topics discussed in the recent "2008 Otop Conference and Awarding Ceremonies" held at the King's Royale Resort and Hotel here.
According to Trade Regional Director Blesila Lantayona, the conference focuses on giving local entrepreneurs and local government units enough skills to cope with promoting their Otop program.
"Most of the Otop that we have in the country have succeeded mainly because of good business environment and assistance of the local government units concerned," Lantayona said.
Otop Philippines supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacture, offer, and market of distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.
It also offers a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from local government units (LGUs), National Government agencies, and the private sector.
Lexes Sychangco of the Bataan Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council said that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) where Otop projects are harnessed experience problems in terms of long processing time in the issuance of government permits and licenses.
Those in food Otop's experience problems in securing license to operate from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).
Teresa Carlos, chairperson of the Pampanga Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council, also pointed at the lack of enough funding to finance entrepreneurs who want to go into Otop SME projects.
"There should be a policy of business-enabling environment that is more supportive of a financial system that is more inclusive of SMEs," she told a strong delegation of officials, SME entrepreneurs, and businessmen.
Carlos, along with Small Business Corporation and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), one of the lead bank partners of the Otop Philippines, said that there should be a nationwide campaign for SMEs to better their credit access.
Paul del Rosario of DBP said they have set a "pipe line" amount of P364 million for SME projects in the country.
Of the amount, P15,961 million have been approved and P14,000 million released to identified barrowers.
However, organizers of the Otop projects in the region are more concerned with increasing government support for Otop potential projects. With this, various agencies' regional directors have signed a memorandum of commitment to somehow solve the issues raised in the conference in their respective areas.
The conference ended with the awarding of the outstanding Otop projects in the region. The City of San Fernando's Parul Fernandino was recognized as Outstanding Otop Implementer.
The event also featured Otop projects from different regions like food and crafts as well as clothing. A fashion show was also staged showcasing native Filipino fineries made of indigenous material.
Also present in the event were Regional Directors Conrado Oliveros of the science department, Remedios Ongtangco of the Bureau Of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Yolanda Olano of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Renato Brion of the local government department, and Clark Development Corporation president Benigno Ricafort.
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